Circuit-closer



E.. F. NIcHoLs. CIRCUIT CLOSER.

APILICATION FILED OCT. 3i 1919.

1,376,967. Patented May 3,1921.`

STATES PATENT oFFicE.

ERNEST Fox NICHOLS, or NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT- CIRCUIT-CLOSER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

\ original application iiled Noveni'ber 27, 1918, Serial No. 254,@54. Divided and this application iiled f october 3, i919. serial No. 328,303. j

. T o all whom 'it may concern."

Be it known that I, ERNEST FOXNICHOLS,

a citizen of the United States, residing at i New Haven, Connecticut, have invented new and useful Improvements in Circuit-.Closers, of which the following is a specification and is to be considered as a division of iii/y cio-pending application. Y

This invention relates to circuit closers and particularly magnetic responsive devices for closing a circuit which is actuated by changes in the intensity of a magnetic field acting thereon, these changes being due primarily to local disturbances causedby inagnetic bodies of various kinds moving relatively 'to the field acting upon the instrument. It may be stated that when two magnetized needles, disks or rings are pivoted independently, one vertically above the other, each magnet is acted upon by two forces;

first, the horizontal component ofthe earths magnetic field tending to set the magnetic axes of the magnets in the magnetic meridian with north seeking pole magnetic north; second, the repulsive force between like magnetic poles tending to set the north pole of one magnet over the south pole of the other. The horizontal component of the earths magnetic field is withinbroad lim* its independent of the distance between the magnets while the force due to repulsion of like poles varies rapidly with this distance of separation. If we begin with the magnets far enough apart so that their repulsive force is insignificant, both magnets will -set themselves in the magnetic meridian with their north seeking poles magnetic north. As the distance separating the magnets is diminishedand the repulsive force thereby increased, the north seeking poles of the two magnets are deviated on opposite sides from the magnetic meridian, and the two magnets form an angle, the magnitude of `which corresponds to the position of balance l of the forces acting. If the two magnets have diiierent magnetic moments, the magnetic axis of the weaker magnet in the equilibrium position forms the larger angle with theinaonetic meridian. As the vertical distance separating the centers of the magnets is steadily diminished, the angle between the magnetic axes of the two magnets increases from zero to 1800. When the axes of the two magnets form lan angle between those limiting values, any .variation in the horizontal intensity of the earths magnetic fieldh due to a local magnetic disturbance, will'increase or diminish the angle of separation. If the force due to the local dis- 60 turbance is in the same direction as the horizontal component of the earths magnetic force, the angle of separation will be diminished. If the local force is opposed to that of the horizontal component of the 654 earths magnetic field, the anglewill in- I l crease. An angle of 90o between the two needlesrepresents the position of greatest magnetic and mechanical stability for the system.

In the present disclosure I have shown my device as being employed for actuating any suitable actuated member such as Aan indicating means, a circuit closer or other instrumentality according to the use to which the invention is applied, for my improved device may be used generally to de- I tect or determine the position of proximitv. of. any magnetic body relative thereto to bring about certain results on the actuated member associated therewith.

With this understanding of the broader aspect of the invention in mind, it kmay be stated that the present invention is designed to embody such features of construction inl a simple and magnetic responsive device -which will be entirely reliable and efficient in operation. I

It is also an object`of the present invention to provide a magnetic responsive de 90 vice adapted to withstand the rough handling of transportation or planting when used inl the water where it may be effected bv currents and storms without danger of disturbing the mechanism or in any way injuring or changing the adjustments andvmagnetic and mechanical values of any of its component parts.

Other objects .will be in part obvious from the annexed drawings, and in part indicated in connection therewith by the following analysis of this invention.

This invention accordinglysconsis'ts in the features of the design, construction, comj bination of parts and in the unique rela- 105 tions of the members and in the relative proportioning and disposition thereof; all as more completely outlined herein. s, f

Drawings depicting a .preferred form (have been annexed as part of this dis 110 closure, and in such drawings, like characf ters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the views, of which f Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the operating mechanism of the device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective View with tlie upper I part of the housing removed and showing a part of the circuit d1agrammat1callg.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken su stan- 'tially along the -line 3 3, Fig. 1, certain pivoted in the shell by means yof they trun-y nions 12; and a casing 13 mounted in trunnions llftransversely to the pivots 12 of the gimbal ring. The parts are suitably coun- .f

terbalanced to keep a normal horizontal position at all times regardless of the roll of the mine while being launched or after it is submerged due to the action of water currents, eddies, and waves.

The caslng 13 which 1s more clearly shown f in vertical section in Fig. 1, is of general cylindrical shape having trunnions 14: in the gimbal ring,l as shown and 1s provlded with a removable cover 15 and a false bottom 16. Connected to the bottom of the casing isa hollow lead block 17 which serves as a v counterweight to keep the casing in a vertical position. The casing is preferably made of aluminum or other .light and nonmagnetic material, and is adapted to house the ma eticv responsive mechanism, as shown. is mechanism is carried by a non- Vmagnetic base plate 18 mounted on the false bottom 16 of the casing. Arising from the lbase plate 18 arev two or more upwardly projecting rods or other standards 19 carrying an arched or semicircular shaped member 20 having a plug 21 of insulatlng material at its top, this plug being apertured to receive a terminal, hereinafter described.

Extending upwardly from the central part of the base plate 18 is a main pivot post 22, which at its upper end terminates in a metallic pivot point, on which the Ventire system of magnetic needles is carried. Pivotallyr, carried by the post 22 is an inverted thimble composed of two cylindricallyshaped members 23 and 24 preferably formed of aluminum, or other suitably light non-magnetic material, and adjustablysecured together by means of a threaded con'- nection or by 'a sliding or telescoping joint. The upper part of the member 23 is of conical 'shape and is adapted to coact with -the top of the post 22. vThe apex of this cone is aperture-d and a metallic cup jewel 24 inserted which provides a hard polished bearing surface for the pivot point on 22 and at the same time insures electrical contactr between 22 and 23. and other metallic parts not electrically insulated` therefrom. The lower end o f the lower member 24 is provided with a circumferential flange upon which rests a main ring-shaped magnet 25 with projecting rectangular pole pieces as shown in Fig. 3 but, of course, these pole pieces may be omitted. Upon the post 22 is threaded for adjustable movement a nut 26, and the member 24 has atits upper end a flange 27, which vis brought into engage` ment with the nut when the dci-'ice is turned upside down so that the thimble can not falli away from the post 22.

Thewentire'mechanism in, the casing 13 is immersed in any suitable fluid, kerosene,

the f scribed. The fluid also serves the purpose of acting up'on suitable counterbalancing .i

floats 28 and 29 secured to the bottom and top, respectively, of the thimble, thereby to reduce to a minimum the pressure and friction due to pressure of the thimble and parts carried thereby upon the pivot point of the `post 22.

.The (upper part of the thimble is provided with a threaded bushing 30, in which are Imounted two contact arms 31 spaced apart any suitable distance and extending parallel to each other across the upper surface of the float 29. It will be noted that the opposite ends of each of these'contact arms are bent upward and extend equal distances from the center of the float, so that the entire mass is accuratelybalanced about 'the axis of the thimble. The distance separatin these two contacts 3l controls the sensibi ity of the circuit vcloser, in that if the contacts are relatively close together, the movement of the secondary magnet, hereinafter described, need not be great to cause contact with one of the arms and the magnetic responsive device requiring thus a smaller magnetic disturbance to cause conta-ct will have a greater radius of effective action, while an increase of the distance between the arms will requirefa greater movement of the secondary magnet.

The bushing 30 at the top of the thimble carries a metallic jewel bearing above which is an insulating plug, in which latter a second pivot 32 isfastened. This pivot carries a conical member 33 provided with a second ring magnet 34 bearing a contact arm llNl lll

The cap 35. The member 35' is employed as counterpoise for the arm 35. A float 36 is associated with the cap 33 thereby to increase its buoyancy and reduce the friction between the pivot point 32 and its bearing to a minlmum. The metallic contact arm 35 carried around by magnet 34 is normally positioned midway between the two contact arms 31, and when affected by a ma netic body is swung to one-side or the ot er, accordlng to the polarity of\ the affecting magnet1c body.

33 carries a third pivot point 37, upon which rests a conical cap 38 provided with ametallic jewel bearing, a float 39 and a lateral circumferential flange at its lower end adapted to coact with a guard washer. 40 carriedI between cork disks 41, adjustably secured by the nuts 42 upon threaded stu s 43,- passing throu -hV the float 29. It will be seen fromthis escription and the draw-` ings that the entire Vmechan-ism may' be` turned upside down, and while the pivots and jewel bearings will then separate slightly all the movable parts will return at once' to.- normal position when the mechanism is again righted.

Carried by the fioat 29 and surrounding the mechanism carried thereby,is a cylindrical sleeve 44 which serves to prevent movement of the immersion liquid external to the,sleeve from aecting the secondary magnet 34 and the parts carried thereby.

With this construction, while currents mayV be set up in the liquid within the casing 13 by lateral or `rotational movement of the entire device due to Waves', eddies or currents in the stream in which it is planted,

these liquid motions cannot be communicated to the parts within thev sleevel The top cap 38 is connected electrically by means ofA a very light spiral flexible wire 45 to a terminal 46r extending through the plug 21' in the arch 20., The circuit is completed through a spiral spring 46', and insulated contactmember 47 carried by. the top of the .casing 13, and a wire 48 passing along one of the trunnions 14 and electrically connected to a pin 49 insulated from the trunnion 14 and-the gimbal ring 11. A wire 50, as Vclearly shown in Fig; 2, passes along a quadrant of the gimbal ringto an insulated binding post 51 carriedby a shell 10.

Y. and by leaving aA suitable space, or air .pocket, at the top of the liquid in the shell 10 andwa capillary hole in casing 13 the eX- However, 'thispansion and contraction of the fiuid can be taken care of without affecting the normal operation of the device.,

v The liquid filling the shell 10 serves the additional two-fold purposes of preventing shocks from being transmitted to the casing.

13 and the parts therein and of damping out rapidly any oscillations of the casing 13 upon'its gimbal trunnions.

After the parts of the mechanism herein described `are `assembled as shown in Fig. 1, the interior of the casing 13 and .shell 10 are filled with a flotation fluid such as kerosene and the shell otherwise disposed or positioned according to the use to which it is' to be put.

-be of equal or different magnetic moments therefore causing a relative rotation of one magnet with respect to the other which will bringmthe contacts 35 and 31 in equal en.- gagement. As soon as this contact is made,

the circuit is closed through the battery to actuate the actuated member which,as previously stated, may be any suitable electrically controlled device such as a galvanometer indicator or detonator.

It is,of course, understood that the 4contact arm 35 is connected to one side of the battery through the cap 33, pivot point 37, cap 38, wire 45, termlnal 46, spring 46',

plug-47 and the wire 48, while contact arms 31 are connected to the other side lof the battery through the bushing 30, pivot point 22, plate 18, the walls of the casing-13, the

trunnion 14 thereof, gimbal ring 11 and shell 10. ,y c

The entire system of magnets is'carrie'd Suitable ...wiring '55, battery- -56'and actuated member 57 are connected by the skeleton frame, formed of the base plate 18, rods 19, and the arch 20, and this is of particular l advantage as it facilitates the operation of assembling the parts, in

that the parts of the mechanism may be brought together upon' the( base plate l18, and then a ter the parts are assembled and adjusted, the skeleton frame, together with the parts carried thereby, may be inserted through the top of the casing 13, and then the cover 15 of the casing clamped into place'. The casing is flled'with the liquid y pouring the latter through the opening which receives the screw 47.

While for the sake of convenience of representation the poles of the small magnet 34 are shown in Fig. 1 as normally being vin the same vertical plane as the poles of the insures the maintenance of the system on a vertical axis and the holding of the Imagnets in horizontal planes. All mechanical disturbances, such as violent explosions 1n close proximity to the magnetic responslve device reach the system .of magnets through but one point, namely, the pivot point of the pom 22, and consequently suitable adjustment of the centers of gravity and buoyancy makes it possible to guard against outside motions disturbing the movable arts of the system. It. will be seen from the pivot point of the post 22 on which the entire system of magnets is supported vis at the intersection o the gimbal axes; that is to say, it is in alinement with the pins 49 on which the casing 13 is trunnioned and also in line with the trunnions 12 on which the gimbal ring 11 is pivoted. It will be understood that with this arrangement, when the casing 13 is rotated from an upright to an inclined position by water currents, eddies, or the like, the lpivot point of the post 22 being at 4the center of the gimbal system, will remain substantially stationary and therefore the system of magnets w1ll 'not be disturbed to any appreciable extent. Should the casing 13 become inclined at an angle to the perpendicular, the post 22 would of course be also inclined but the pivot point of the post would remain, as stated, substantially stationary and the thimble 23, having considerable freedom of rotation in a vertical as well asa horizontal -plane together with the system of magnets carried thereby, would remain substantially vertical.

By immersing the parts of the magnetic system in a Huid, and providing means for floating of the parts, pivot friction 1s reduced to a minimum, damping out of mechanical vibrations is obtained, and damage to pivots and jewels by sudden shock is guarded ragainst. Each separate assembly or units of parts of the magnet system is provided with separate and independent flo- 7 tation means so that each part is lmaintained at all times, and irrespective of any rolling v movement of' housing 10, in a horizontal position. The floats have large surfaces and the friction between the surfaces of these ioats and the fluid in which they are immersed aids in damping the movement of the magnets.

osition, the

ig. 1 that Lavaca? Vsystem of magnets is provided, there being no Vhearing for the upper end of this system, the cap or terminal unit 38 is provided, this cap beinconnected to the fixed terminal by means o the ie'xible wire 45 to complete the electrical circuit through the system of magnets. When relativeA rotation occurs between vthe unit carrying the/magnet 34 and the casing 13, no torques are transmitted to the magnet` 34 as the cap 38 is freely pivoted on the pivot member 37 and takes care 'of alLtorques set up in the wire- 45. The flexible wire 45 may be'of spiral or other serpentine form so that it may be extended to permit relative rectilinear movements between ethe casing 13 and the system of magnets;

In accordance with Ysystem is as near the speciic gravity of the immersion fluid as restricting conditions permit, that is to say, the specific gravity of each of these units is but slightly greater than the specific 'gravity of the immersion fluid. The center of buoyancy of each of the units of the system isnear the center of gravity of the respective units, and the center of buoyancy of the'magnetic system, taken as a whole, is as near the center of gravity of the entire system as will insure the system remaining in an upright position. The center of buoyancy of the system is preferably immediately above the center of gravity of the system. Since enough flotation isl added to the buo ancy of each unit of the system to render its specific gravity only slightly greater than the specific gravity of the immersion fluid, the -luid and the magnetic s stem will move substan tially in unison; t at is to say, if the casing 13 together with the immersion fluid therein, is subjected to any rectilinear accelerated movement, the system of magnets will not tend to lag behind nor move forward more rapidly than the immersion Huid itself. This provision is 'especially effective inprotectin the magnet system in Whole and in part rom being disturbed by sudden shocks or impulsivel accelerations imposed upon the shell 10 and casing 13 from with out. By constructing the system so that the center of buoyancy is slightly above, but as near to the center of gravity as will insure the members remaining in an upright position, the position of the meta-centers Vare such that the s stem is always stable.

Without furt er analysis, .the foregoing will suiliciently reveal the gist of this invention that others can by applying current the. generic or specific aspects of this invention, and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended Within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the ond pivot carried by said first unit, and in axial alinement With said first ivot, a sec-1 ond unit pivoted on said first pivot, a fluid in which saidunits are immersed, and separate buoyancy means for each unit.

3. In a magnetic responsive device, a plurality o'fV independently pivoted magnetic units, a. fluid in Which said4 units are immersed, and a buoyancy member associated With each unit, the buoyancy ofeach of said units being such that its specific gravity'is.,

but slightly greater than the specific gravity of the immersion fluid.

4. In a magnetic responsive device, a pluv rality of independently pivoted magnetic units having angular movement in any plane, a fluid in Which said units are immersed, and a buoyancy member associated with each unit, the center of buoyancy,of the system of magnetic units being no farther above'the center of gravity of said units than is necessary to insure the system remaining 1n upright positlon.

5. In a magnetic responslvedevice, a unit pivoted on a pivot, and having a second pivot Which in its normal position is in axial alinement with said first pivot, a second unit pivoted on said lirst pivot, a fluid in which said units are immersed, and ,separate buoyancy means for each unit, the specific gravity oi each of said units being but slightly' greater'than the specific gravity of the immersion fluid and the centers of buoyancy of each of said units as Well as the Whole system of units combined being slightly above but as near the centers of gravity of each unit or said system of units combined as Will insure the system remaining in an upright position. A i

`6. In a magnetic responsive device, a chamber, a pair of magnets each on its oWn pivot and free to rotate independently. of the other, said magnets being arranged one above theother, a iiuid in Which said magnets are immersed, and a buoyancy member associatedwith each of said magnets. 7 In a magnetic responsive device,a pivot and a plurality ofsuperimposed units each having a pivot in axial alinement With said first pivot for supporting the next succeed# ing unit, a fluid in which said units are immersed, and .a separate buoyancy member for each of said units.

8. In a magnetic responsive device, a pivot, a unit pivoted on said first pivot and having a magnet and alsoca second pivot in axial alinement vvith said first pvot, a second unit pivotedpon said second pivot 'and having a magnet and a pivot, a -terminal unit plvoted on said last pivot, a -flexible con- .ducting WireY leading ,from said terminal' unit to a fixed point, a fluid in which said Aunits are immersed and a buoyancy member on each unit.

9.. In a magnetic responsive device, a plurality of superimposed units each having a pivot for supporting the next succeeding unit, a single pivot for supporting the entire system of units, and a separate buoyancy means for eagh unit.

1Q. In a magnetic responsive device, a unithavmga magnet and a pivot, a second unit pivoted on said pivot and having -a magnet, 'a single pivotpoint for supportf 'ing said units, a fluid iminersing said units,

and buoyancy means for each of said units.

11. In a magnetic responsive device, a plurality of superimposed units each having a pivot for supporting the next succeeding ;-unit, a single pivot for supporting the entire system of units, and a separate buoyancyl means for each unit, the speciic gravity of each of said .units being but slightly greater than the specific gravity of the immersion fluid and the center of buoyancy of the entire system of units bein@ no farther above the center of gravity o? the system than lis necessary to insure the system re-v maining in an uprightposition.

12. In a magnetic responsive device, a gimbal system, a plurality of superimposed units carried by said system each having a pivot for supporting lthe next succeeding unit, a single pivot for supporting the entire system of units and being at the intersection o the axes of said gimbal system,f and a separate buoyancy means for each unit. ,l

13. In Aa magnetic responsive device, a gimbal system, a pivot, a second unit plvotedon said pivot ,and having a magnet, and a single pivot point for supporting said units and being at the intersection l'oit' the axes of said gimbal system, and buoyancy means for each of said` units, the specific gravity of each of said units being but slightly greater than the specific gravity of t e immersion fluid vand the center of buoyancy of the entiresystem of units being no Jfarther above the ycenter of gravity of the system than 1s necessary to insure the systemremaimng in an upright position.

14. In a 'magnetic responsive device, a l

plurality oi independently pi-voted units, a

a unit having a magnet and Huid in which said units are immersed, means for each unit tending to Heat the same` and means for preventing disarrangement of theV units when the device is turned upside down. i

15. In a magnetic responsive device, a

pivot, a unit pivoted on said pivot and having a second pivot in axial alinement withv said rst pivot, a second unit pivoted on vsaid second pivot, a iuid in which said units are immersed, a buoyancy member for each of said units, and means for preventing .diem-rangement ofthe units when parts 'are turned'upside down.

the

16. In a magnetic responsive device, al

casing, a pivot post, an adjustable thimbie pivoted onsaid post, a magnet carried by said thimble, a buoyancy member and a pivot post carried byv said thimble',-a capy pivoted on said secendpivot and having a magnet and la buoyancy member, a pivot post carried .by said cap, a cone-shaped niember carried by said last mentioned pivot post and having a buoyancy member, and means carried by the buoyancy member on said thimble for preventing the removal of said ca A Y 17. Ilii a magnetic-responsive device, a casing` apivot post, a thimble' pivoted on said post, a magnet carried by said thimble, a

second pivot post carried by said thimble, a second magneten said second post, a fluid in said casing and in which the magnets are immersed, and a sleeve carried bythe thimble and surrounding the second pivot post and magnet for preventing currents exteriorly thereof from `aii'ecting said second needle.

18. In a magnetic responsive device, a casing, a pivot post, a thimble pivoted on said post, a magnet on the thimble, a cap pivoted on said second post, a magnet on said `cap, a pivot post carried by said cap,

a terminal member carried by said last mentioned pivot post, and a sleeve carried by said float and encircling the second magnet and terminal -member to prevent currents magnetic units, a

Amaining in kupright position.

exteriorly .of thek sleeve from aiecting said v members. f

19. In 'a magnetic responsive device, a pluralityY of independently pivoted magnetic units, a fluid in which said units are immersed, and a buoyancy member associated with each unit, the center of buoyancy of vthe magnetic units beingnp farther above the center of gravity of said units than is necessary to insure the system remaining in upright position.

20. In a magnetic responsive device, arv

plurality ofy inde endently 'pivoted ring uid in which said nnits are immersed and a buoyancy member associated with each of said units, the center of buoyancy vof the vunits being noy farther above the center of gravity ofsaid units thanA is necessary to insure-the system rec 21. Ina magnetic responsive device, a pivot member, -a ring magnet pivoted therecn,`a second pivot member associated' with said magnet, a second-ring magnet pivoted lon said member and means :for varying the Goin.

distances betweenV said ring and ar fluid Within which said ring magnets are immersed ,and buoyancy members associated vwith each of said ring magnets whereby the center of gravityof said magnets is so positioned as to insure the system remaining 'in upright position.

ERNEST- roX NICHOLS. 

